Oedipus and the Oracle

King Laius of Thebes was warned by the Oracle of Delphi that any son born to him would kill him and marry his wife, Jocasta. Horrified, Laius ordered his newborn's feet pierced and the infant left to die on a mountainside. However, a sympathetic shepherd rescued the child, who was eventually adopted by the King of Corinth and named Oedipus. As a young man, Oedipus heard rumors of his lineage and consulted the Oracle. When the priestess foretold that he would murder his father and wed his mother, Oedipus fled Corinth to protect the people he believed were his true parents. On his journey toward Thebes, he encountered an arrogant traveler at a narrow crossroads. A dispute erupted, and in a fit of rage, Oedipus killed the man—unaware it was his biological father, Laius. Upon reaching Thebes, he found the city terrorized by the Sphinx. By correctly answering her riddle, Oedipus saved the city and was crowned king, marrying the widowed Jocasta. Only years later, during a plague, did the agonizing truth surface: in his desperate flight to escape his destiny, Oedipus had fulfilled every word of the prophecy.

“Fear? What has a man to do with fear? Chance rules our lives, and the future is all unknown.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Oedipus and the Oracle?

The moral is that fate is unavoidable and human pride, or hubris, often leads to the very outcomes people try most desperately to prevent. It suggests that certain aspects of life are beyond human control regardless of our efforts.

What was the riddle of the Sphinx?

The Sphinx asked: 'What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?' Oedipus correctly answered 'Man,' who crawls as a baby, walks as an adult, and uses a cane in old age.

Why did Oedipus leave Corinth?

Oedipus left Corinth because the Oracle of Delphi prophesied he would kill his father and marry his mother. He fled to protect King Polybus and Queen Merope, whom he believed were his biological parents.

How did Oedipus fulfill the prophecy?

He fulfilled the prophecy by killing an old man at a crossroads (his biological father, Laius) and later winning the hand of the widowed Queen of Thebes (his biological mother, Jocasta) after defeating the Sphinx.

What does 'Oedipus' mean?

The name Oedipus translates to 'swollen foot.' This refers to the injuries he sustained as an infant when his feet were pierced and bound by King Laius before being abandoned.

What happened to Oedipus after the truth was revealed?

Upon learning the truth, Jocasta took her own life, and Oedipus, overcome by grief and horror, blinded himself with her dress pins. He then went into self-imposed exile, wandering as a beggar.